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Functions of the nervous system

The nervous system performs three functions:

• sensation - it analyses sensory information from the external environment or the body itself
• integration - some information is stored and decisions are made about responses to sensory information
• response - motor responses are brought about, initiating muscular contractions or secretions from glands

Parts of the nervous system

The human nervous system consists of:

• central nervous system (CNS) – the brain and spinal cord
• peripheral nervous system – nerve cells that carry information to or from the CNS

The peripheral nervous system can be further split into two parts:

• somatic nervous system (SNS) - responsible for concious perception and voluntary movement of skeletal muscles
• autonomic nervous systems (ANS) - responsible for involuntary control of the body, including glandular secretions, maintaining organ systems and reflex movement of skeletal muscles